Lawmakers say a compact will give the state a cut of gaming revenues. The tribe has been trying to negotiate a deal for at least 20 years.

Bentley, however, wouldn't say whether he would come to the table. He pointed to a lawsuit filed by attorney general Luther
Strange (R), who claims the tribe's gaming facilities are not located on Indian land.

"Before we even talk about Indian gaming, I think we need to let that play out in court," Bentley told the AP.

Bentley asked lawmakers to come up with ideas to address the state's budget problems.